Seniors, teens enjoy prom together

Senior citizens and teens alike dance at Maplewood Estates Senior Living Community in Perinton on Friday during a prom organized by Fairport High School students.
(Photo:
GARY McLENDON/staff photographer
)

Fairport High School seniors Aubrey Totsline and Natalie Geisbuesch threw a prom Friday.

They wanted it to be special, so they made decorations, added a deejay and photographer, and told a bunch of their friends to get dressed up and meet them at the Maplewood Estates Senior Living Community in Perinton.

"It's going fantastic," Natalie said about 30 minutes into the event. "It's just amazing. We had a 30-person-long conga line."

Maplewood Estate's first-ever senior prom was a definite success.

"We're glad they are all dancing and having fun. I'm surprised how many got up and actually danced with us," said Aubrey.

They danced with each other, too.

When Sinatra playing, Mary Roselli, 99, who said she missed her prom at East High School because she left school early to work at the "five and dime," shared the dance with Maplewood resident Stan Lyttle, 91.

"We had a lot of fun together. You have to keep the body moving," said Lyttle.

"It's a lot of fun," said Roselli.

Hollye Hills, a manager at Maplewood Estates, was smiling about the whole thing. "It's been wonderful. Our residents are all very socially interactive with one another. They actually want to come out of their apartments and socialize."

Lois Carpenter, 94, a 14-year Maplewood Estates resident, took part in the conga line, and was pleased with the prom.

"I've taken part in about everything they have had here," said Carpenter. "I have a lot of good things to say about this place."